Cosmetic Procedures - VEIN TREATMENTS

Varicose veins or spider veins? Varicose veins are veins that become enlarged and twisted with pools of blood when they fail to properly circulate blood towards the heart. In severe cases, varicose veins can rupture or form open sores called ulcers. Varicose veins are most common in the legs and thighs. Spider veins known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities - are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these super-fine veins are connected with the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it. Treatment Options The most common treatment procedures involve surgery or sclerotherapy. They may be used either alone or in combination. These procedures remove the bad veins and force the blood to flow through the remaining healthy veins. Depending on the extent of the problem, surgery can be done using either local, partial or general anesthesia. Sclerotherapy does not require an anesthetic. THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR SCLEROTHERAPY Women of any age may be good candidates for sclerotherapy, but most fall in the 30-to-60 category. In some women, spider veins may become noticeable very early on - in the teen years. For others, the veins may not become obvious until they reach their 40s. How much do the procedures cost? Surgery generally costs between $600 - $2,000 per leg for the surgeon's fee. Anesthesia and hospitalization are extra. Costs vary depending on how many veins must be removed and in what state of the country the procedure will be performed. Sclerotherapy can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the number of injections and treatment sessions, and the area of the country where the procedure is performed. Are the results permanent? No treatment method has been scientifically proven to prevent varicose and spider veins from recurring. Results of surgery on varicose veins and injection of spider veins rarely are permanent due to hereditary and hormonal and gravitational factors which affect the walls and valves of the veins.